"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe." - John Muir

Meeting Minutes

COASTAL BEND SIERRA CLUB GROUPMeeting Minutes

May 2015

The Coastal Bend Sierra Club Group (CBSCG) met on Tuesday, May 5 at the Progressive Center, 413 Waco. (Last minute change in location due to a scheduling issue; thanks to Carolyn Moon for her assistance.)Chairperson Lois Huff opened the meeting at 12:10 and reminded members that minutes of the April meeting are posted on the CBSCG Website.They were approved on a motion by Jim Holm which was seconded by Teresa Carrillo.

Treasurer Teresa Carrillo reported that the CBSCG’s checking account now has $252.82 and the total of the three CD’s is $8,518.15.Teresa informed members of a need to consider some sort of fundraiser so that the checking account balance can be increased to at least $500.Lois reminded members that minutes of previous meetings are posted on the CBSCG Website; Secretary Venice Scheurich circulated a copy of last month’s minutes for those interested to read.

The first Issues Report was given on air quality by Joyce Jarmon and Lois Huff who had attended the April meeting of the area’s Long Term Health Committee.They reported that there had been no episodes of dangerously high emissions of benzene or other organic toxins during the past month, and they stated that an interesting presentation was made on how limits are set for when air emissions reach the danger level.Efforts continue to find funding to continue supporting air monitoring.

Hal Suter serves on the Lone Star Sierra Executive Committee (ExCom) and he is an active participant in the Blue Green Alliance which is comprised of union members as well as members of environmental and conservation organizations.He was in Washington D.C. last month to serve as a panelist with CWA members to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership and implications of fast-tracking.Hal also gave a report on implications of the passage of HB 40 and the anticipated passage of HB 1865.

Jim Holm, who is in charge of environmental justice issues, led a discussion on his work with residents in some of the northern rural areas of the Coastal Bend as they seek cleaner air and water.He described the concept of a land ethic and gave insights into the Texas Rural Leadership Program and how a community development corporation (CDC) could organize citizens within their communities to address issues having a negative impact on them.Discussion included notice of a future $500 funding request.

Carolyn Moon, who meets with local and area citizens on the Bay Area Smart Growth Initiative, gave brief reports on the 2025 Growth Plan, storm water, bay bacteria (CARP), and waste issues.On marine matters, Mina Williams stated that the Kemp’s ridley nesting season is underway and that seven nests were documented on the Texas coast yesterday.In the matter of mining, Venice Scheurich reported that she, Mina, and Teresa had testified on proposed rule revisions for 40 CFR Part 192 re uranium ISL at the EPA hearing in Corpus Christi on April 14, and she stated that the comment period is open until May 27.

Under the topic of New Business, Lois appointed Teresa Carrillo and Carolyn Moon to begin planning for this year’s membership appreciation party, and she stated that she and Jim Holm would talk about the feasibility of holding such a party in the Victoria area.Lois also raised the issue of when and where some future evening meetings could be held and what topics would be of interest to citizens.

In the matter of Old Business, Lois reported on last month’s Earth Day/Bay Day celebration and asked members to consider having CBSCG be a co-sponsor again next year.She also reported that someone is still needed for taking on the task of webmaster.

Submitted by Venice Scheurich on May 5, 2015 and modified by Lois Huff on May 13, 2015.

April 2015

The Coastal Bend Sierra Club Group (CBSCG) met on Tuesday, April 7 in the Retama Room of the Corpus Christi Public Library at 805 Comanche Street from 11:30 am until 1:45 pm.After lunch, Chairperson Lois Huff opened the meeting and reminded members that minutes of the March meeting are posted on the CBSCG Website.They were approved on a motion by Carolyn Moon which was seconded by Hal Suter.

Treasurer Teresa Carrillo reported that donations of $240 have thus far been received to help cover thefee for CBSCG’s being a co-sponsor of Earth Day/Bay Day (ED/BD) which is scheduled for April 11.Members approved Teresa’s request to write a check for $500 to pay the sponsorship fee.This would leave approximately $500 in the checking account.The three CD amounts total is $8,507.77.

Hal Suter, CBSCG’s representative on the Lone Star Executive Committee (ExCom) reported that he will be in Washington D.C. next week on business with the Blue Green Alliance.He informed members of his involvement in activities opposing fast tracking the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).He also reported on Texas legislative matters—in particular of his activities in Austin re HB 40 and HB 1165.

Joyce Jarmon reported that one of the local refineries had an incident in February which resulted in benzene being emitted for more than fifteen minutes.This was the first time in more than three years that benzene emissions this large had occurred.Joyce also alerted members that she is concerned about lack of monitoring near tank farms which have recently been permitted.

Brief reports were given by Jack Pope on activity at the Port of Corpus Christi, by Teresa Carrillo on a March meeting of the Eagle Ford Task Force, and by Carolyn Moon on her attendance at a recent RTA meeting.

Tony and Cynthia Garcia have volunteered to organize and work at the CBSCG’s ED/BD booth at Heritage Park on Saturday, and they need members to help at the booth in the afternoon—especially between 2:00 and 5:00.

Lois and Teresa reminded members of two April events:Water Management in South Texas on April 16 (See www.lwv-cc.org.), and Bountiful Benefits of Riparian on April 14. (For more information, contact tcarrillo@baysfoundation.org.)Both events promise to be excellent, and members are strongly encouraged to attend.

Mina Williams and Venice Scheurich reported that the EPA will hold a public hearing in Corpus Christi on Tuesday, April 14.The purpose of the hearing is to take comments from stakeholders and citizens on EPA’s proposed revisions in 40 CFR Part 192 which regulates in-situ recovery of uranium.For details see: